Fabric Information

Reinvent how you specify fenestration systems

The energy efficiency and performance of a building can be dependent on varying shade fabric characteristics such as composition, structure, openness and even color. Use Mermet’s technical fabric guide and glossary of terms as a blueprint for selecting and integrating solar shading into your complete fenestration package.

Glazing

Infrared Light (NIR)

A wavelength just greater than that of the red end of the visible light spectrum but less than that of microwaves. Infrared radiation has a wavelength from about 800 nm to 1 mm, and is emitted particularly by heated objects

Knit

Knit fabrics consist of rows of loops intertwined around each other (see Figure 1.2). The way the loops are intertwined gives unique patterns to different styles of knit fabrics. Warp knit fabrics wrap these loops around straight warp yarns, which give the fabric structure.

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)

NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient and is the average of a product's ability to absorb sound waves at 4 frequencies (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz), which are the range of frequencies of human speech.

Sound Absorption Average (SAA)

SAA stands for Sound Absorption Average and is the average absorption of sound waves from 12 octave frequencies ranging from 200 - 2500 Hz. It supersedes the NRC because it has a wider range and more points of measure.

Tentering

Tentering sets the warp and weft of woven fabrics at right angles to each other, and stretches and sets the fabric to its final dimensions. The fabric is stretched by the use of a tenter frame, consisting of chains fitted with pins or clips to hold the selvedges of the fabric, and travelling on tracks.

Total Solar Transmission (Ts)

UV - Ultraviolet light

A form of radiation which is not visible to the human eye. It's in an invisible part of the "electromagnetic spectrum". Radiated energy, or radiation, is given off by many objects: a light bulb, a crackling fire, and stars are some examples of objects which emit radiation.

Visible Light

A form of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, as are radio waves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and microwaves. Generally, visible light is defined as the wavelengths that are visible to most human eyes.

Visible Light Transmission

Percentage of visible light that is transmitted through the entire window system. Openness factor and color affect the VLT of materials. The VLT value is associated with glare control and view through capability. The greater the VLT reduction percentage, the less light passes through.

Weft

Woven

Woven fabrics are created by interlacing yarns at roughly right angles to one another. The long constant threads which run vertically in the fabric are the warp and yarns that run perpendicular to the warp are the weft